Millbrook Marsh Nature Center

LOCATION:548 Puddintown Rd, State College, PA

MMNC is a 62-acre site consisting of a 12-acre farmstead area with an adjacent 50-acre wetland area. The one field in the farmstead area was an abandoned nursery that had become overgrown with a variety of invasive plants. The marsh staff decided to turn the area into a pollinator garden using all native plants. A local Girl Scout troop partnered with the staff, and together they transformed it into a beautiful garden. There is a stone lined walkway through the garden and planned informational signs at each plant indicating plant name and which pollinator it attracts. The garden was an instant success and not just with visitors to the marsh. Hummingbirds and monarchs became frequent guests, with a constant stream of bees (so many bees!). The garden will be used for educational field trips and programs offered at MMNC. Landscaping with native plants has been implemented at other areas now, including plans to install a garden for birds with similar educational purposes. Many thanks to PNPS for the grant money to help purchase the plants!